Surge for identity

View the works of 14 photographers who aim to capture the relationship between art and identity in Pakistan at the exhibition, Surge

The world is divided by borders, though the issues and experiences faced by the residents of different states is much often similar.

The God of Small Things, Amber Hammad, Glocal, Lahore, 2012

Surge, a photography exhibition, aims to capture such nuances of the life of people across border, in Pakistan. The exhibition is part of the photography quarterly, Pix’s latest Pakistan issue and has been presented by Goethe-Institut/ Max Mueller Bhavan Mumbai.

A Muslim man prostrates at the ruins of Bilal Masjid, popularly known as the Rock Mosque, during evening prayer time. The 2010 flood washed away everything except for its foundation. Even though the building was destroyed, faithfuls continue to return to the same place to worship everyday. Edwin Koo, from the series, Paradise: Swat Valley, 2009-2012

For a nation that is constantly evolving, the change has also seen an emphasis on personal space and gender relations, which can be seen through various mediums of expression such as fashion or street photography.

These works have also put into focus the relationship between art practice and documentary themes taking place in Pakistan. It’s this surge of development of identity that also constitutes the works.